Bach in Brazil

Acclaimed for his masterful fusion of classical guitar with Brazilian folk music, Plínio Fernandes takes audiences on a captivating journey through Bach and his echoes in Brazilian music. Known for his extraordinary technique and deep understanding of both classical and traditional Brazilian genres, Fernandes explores the intersection of Baroque precision and the vibrant rhythms of South American folk traditions in a program that blends the best of both worlds.

The performance features a range of iconic works, beginning with the prelude from Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras, where Brazilian folk melodies meet the counterpoint of Bach. Fernandes continues with J.S. Bach’s Prelude, Fuga & Allegro, bringing the intricate structures of the Baroque master to life on the guitar, before shifting to Villa-Lobos’s Five Preludes.

The program also features innovative interpretations of popular Brazilian songs, including Violeta Parra’s “Gracias a la Vida,” Ary Barroso’s “Aquarela do Brasil,” and “Beatriz” by Edu Lobo and Chico Buarque. Fernandes concludes with João do Bandolim’s playful “Assanhado,” a piece that embodies the rhythmic vitality of Brazil’s music.